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Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA senior health advisor and medical director, Communicable Diseases and Immunizations program, answered today’s questions.
Q: Does the flu shot that is encouraged for seniors to get in the fall cover norovirus? – Leslie, Bend
A: “No, I’m afraid not. Norovirus is a completely unrelated virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, rather than respiratory disease. There is currently no vaccine against norovirus.”
Q: I would like to know about the vaccine approval process in simple language. I would like to get the Novavax vaccine, but I have already gotten the mRNA vaccines, both the primary series and the bivalent booster. Will I be able to get the updated Novavax vaccine (non-mRNA) they have been asked to make in the fall? What about my children? Will they be able to get the Novavax vaccine? They have also already had their primary series from the mRNA vaccines. – Olivia, Salem
A: “Olivia, we completely understand how the vaccine approval process can be confusing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory committee (VRBPAC - Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee) has asked Novavax to develop an updated COVID-19 vaccine (non-mRNA) for the fall, as it asked of Pfizer and Moderna as well (using mRNA technology).
“As we speak, the companies, including Novavax, are developing and studying these vaccines. Next, they will each submit laboratory evidence of their vaccine’s effectiveness and safety to VRBPAC. VRBPAC will make a recommendation to the FDA as to whether to authorize the vaccines. If the FDA does so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will then make recommendations regarding who should receive the vaccines, and when. Whether we’re talking about a brand-new vaccine, an updated vaccine or expanding vaccine eligibility to a different age group, those two steps by the FDA and CDC have usually happened in quick succession for COVID-19 vaccines.
“At this point we can’t say for sure who would be eligible for an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine this fall. That said, the CDC recommended the current Novavax vaccine as a two-dose primary series for children as young as 12, and as a one-time booster for people age 18+, so it’s not a stretch to think that an updated Novavax vaccine would also be recommended for children as young as 12 (possibly younger), and all adults.
“Lastly, Novavax has produced decent evidence (on paper) that people who have received only mRNA vaccines (especially with the bivalent booster) would experience good protection from the planned updated Novavax booster. Whether the FDA and CDC will agree (after reviewing the laboratory evidence), and allow you and your children to receive it, remains to be seen. Stay tuned.”
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. While we are unable to answer every question, we try to address questions that may be of interest to a broader audience. Please understand we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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